Pune on My Plate: From Tahura to Kulki, here’s a list of healthy, refreshing drinks to beat the summer heat
Say goodbye to packaged drinks in Pune this summer and opt for traditional Indian coolers like Tahura, Thandai and Solkadhi which are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Apart from water, there are delicious and healthy options like Khus Sharbat, Kulki, Tahura, Piyush, Thandai, and Solkadhi. (Source: Express Photo)
As summer sets in, dehydration and fatigue creep in. While water is the most important drink to quench thirst, there are other healthy and tasty beverages that not only satiate one’s thirst but also help to naturally regulate body temperature. Khus Sharbat, the lesser-known Kulki and others await Puneites as alternatives to packaged and aerated drinks.
Tahura
Tahura is a traditional, refreshing drink originating from Hyderabad. It is typically made with a base of thickened full-fat milk mixed with dates, khava (condensed milk), khus, and nuts like almonds and pistachios.
“Known for its thick, creamy, rich flavour and cooling effect, it is also called Arabian milkshake. Though mostly consumed during Ramzan, it can be a healthy summer beverage option,” said Latif Shaikh, owner of Taazgi Cold Drinks in Akurdi.
Piyush
Made by combining yoghurt or buttermilk with shrikhand, Piyush is a well-known drink from Gujarat and Maharashtra. It is a refreshing drink that can help with dehydration and fatigue, and yoghurt helps maintain body temperature.
“Yogurt contains probiotics, which promote healthy gut flora. Piyush can enhance appetite, protein intake, energy levels and aid in times of dehydration and reduce fatigue. It is also a source of minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. The drink is blended with cardamom powder and nutmeg powder to give a smooth texture,” said Meena Joshi, owner of Hotel Abhijat New Sweet Home in Sadashiv Peth.
Thandai
Famously known to be consumed by wrestlers, thandai is also a refreshing alternative during the sweltering heat. “It is made with ingredients such as almonds, fennel seeds, watermelon kernels, rose petals, pepper, poppy seeds, cardamom, saffron, and milk,” said Rajesh Nalawade, owner of Wakad-based Shahi Thandai.
“The drink is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The Vitamin E in almonds and the antioxidants in saffron help boost the immune system. While the Vitamin C in the rose petals and zinc in nuts and seeds help fight infections,” Nalawade added.
Solkadhi
A post-meal drink in Konkan and Goa, Solkadhi is great for digestion and cooling down the body. This homage to the Konkan Coast is served at NRH Badshahi located near SP College.
“The cooling concoction is made from kokum fruit blended with creamy coconut milk. It is flavoured with green chilli, coriander and mint to create a smooth, light pink homogeneous mixture which tastes sweet and sour. Being rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it can boost immunity,” said owner Medha Sahasrabudhe.
Khus sharbat
The age-old cooling remedy from Gujarat is well known to beat the summer blues. Khus, also called vetiver grass, is scientifically known as Chrysopogon zizanioides.
“Khus sharbat cools the body, improving digestion and boosting immunity. It reduces thirst and dehydration and prevents temperature-related issues such as heat stroke. It is a green-coloured drink prepared from khus syrup (derived from vetiver grass) and water. The drink is rich in various minerals and vitamins like A, B, and C,” said Bhagyashree Ganatra, owner of Kharadi-based TheplaCo.
Kulki
Originally from Kerala, Kulki is a healthy drink option made with coconut and milk without any added sugar or preservatives. Firstly’s – opened in October 2024 at FC Road – serves Kulki and innovative drinks such as Sabooda, Masoora, Kannur Kocktail, and Abooda, among others.
“The inspiration to start was to serve healthy options free of added preservatives and artificial sugar. Kulki is a combination of cow milk, coconut milk and coconut malai. Most of the ingredients and fibrous fruits are sourced from southern states while the dry fruits used are sourced from Afghanistan. We also serve fruit shakes made from mango, mulberry, guava, and others,” said owner Sam Jith.
Share
